Bicycle operating device

ABSTRACT

A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operating member, an additional operating member, an electrical switch, and a wireless communication unit. The brake operating member is movably coupled to the base member in a first direction. The additional operating member is movably coupled to the base member in a second direction and in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction. The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal in response to a movement of the additional operating member in the third direction. The electrical switch is disposed at the additional operating member. The wireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle operating device.

Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation aswell as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a verypopular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whetherthe bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, thebicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of thebicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned isan operating device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycleoperating device comprises a base member, a brake operating member, anadditional operating member, an electrical switch, and a wirelesscommunication unit. The brake operating member is movably coupled to thebase member in a first direction. The additional operating member ismovably coupled to the base member in a second direction and in a thirddirection different from the first direction and the second direction.The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal in response to amovement of the additional operating member in the third direction. Theelectrical switch is disposed at the additional operating member. Thewireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch totransmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal.

With the bicycle operating device according to the first aspect, it ispossible to wirelessly operate an electrical bicycle component using theadditional operating member. Furthermore, it is possible to utilize thebase member to movably support the additional operating member insteadof the brake operating member since the additional operating member ismovably coupled to the base member. This allows the structure of thebrake operating member to be simplified. Accordingly, it is possible towirelessly operate the electrical bicycle component with a simplestructure.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the first aspect is configured so that thewireless communication unit is disposed at one of the base member, thebrake operating member, and the additional operating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the second aspect, it ispossible to handle the bicycle operating device including the wirelesscommunication unit as a single unit.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the first or second aspect is configuredso that the brake operating member includes an actuation part disposedto face the electrical switch to press the electrical switch in responseto the movement of the additional operating member in the thirddirection relative to the brake operating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the third aspect, it ispossible to easily press the electrical switch using the movement of theadditional operating member in the third direction relative to the brakeoperating member.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the third aspect is configured so that theactuation part includes a projection to face the electrical switch.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourth aspect, it ispossible to transmit the movement of the additional operating member inthe third direction to the electrical switch using the projection.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to any one of the first to fourth aspectsfurther comprises a cable operating structure coupled to the brakeoperating member to move a mechanical control cable in response to amovement of the brake operating member in the first direction.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect, it ispossible to respectively operate the bicycle brake device and theelectrical bicycle component using the brake operating member and theadditional operating member via the mechanical control cable and awireless communication.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to any one of the first to fifth aspectsfurther comprises a hydraulic unit coupled to the brake operating memberto generate a hydraulic pressure in response to a movement of the brakeoperating member in the first direction.

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect, it ispossible to respectively operate the bicycle brake device and theelectrical bicycle component using the brake operating member and theadditional operating member via a hydraulic fluid and a wirelesscommunication.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the first to sixthaspects further comprises an informing unit disposed on at least one ofthe base member, the brake operating member, and the additionaloperating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventh aspect, it ispossible to inform a user of information relating to the bicycleoperating device.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the seventh aspect is configuredso that the informing unit is connected to the wireless communicationunit to inform a user of a status of the wireless communication unit.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighth aspect, it ispossible to check the status of the wireless communication unit.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects isconfigured so that the base member includes a first end portion and asecond end portion. The first end portion is configured to be coupled toa handlebar in a mounting state where the bicycle operating device ismounted to the handlebar. The second end portion is opposite to thefirst end portion. The brake operating member is movably coupled to thesecond end portion.

With the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect, it ispossible to provide a distance between the handlebar and the brakeoperating member. Accordingly, it is possible to easily operate thebrake operating member.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycleoperating device according to the ninth aspect is configured so that thefirst end portion includes a mounting surface having a curved shapecorresponding to a drop-down handlebar.

With the bicycle operating device according to the tenth aspect, it ispossible to firmly fix the bicycle operating device to the drop-downhandlebar.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the ninth or tenth aspect isconfigured so that the base member includes a grip portion arrangedbetween the first end portion and the second end portion.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eleventh aspect, thegrip portion allows the user to easily operate at least one of the brakeoperating member and the additional operating member.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the ninth to eleventhaspects is configured so that the second end portion includes a pommelportion.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth aspect, thepommel portion allows the user to lean on the base member during ridinga bicycle.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the ninth to twelfthaspects is configured so that the first end portion is configured to becoupled to a bar end of the handlebar in the mounting state.

With the bicycle operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, itis possible to utilize the bicycle operating device as a bar-endoperating device.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the ninth to thirteenthaspects is configured so that the brake operating member is pivotablerelative to the base member between a first rest position and a firstoperated position. The additional operating member is at least partiallycloser to the first end portion than the brake operating member in arest state where the brake operating member is at the first restposition.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, itis possible to improve the operability of the additional operatingmember compared with a case where the additional operating member isfarther from the first end portion than the brake operating member.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the ninth to fourteenthaspects is configured so that the brake operating member is pivotablerelative to the base member about a first pivot axis. The additionaloperating member is at least partially closer to the first end portionthan the first pivot axis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, itis possible to improve the operability of the additional operatingmember compared with a case where the additional operating member isfarther from the first end portion than the first pivot axis.

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fifteenthaspects is configured so that the brake operating member is pivotablerelative to the base member about a first pivot axis in the firstdirection. The additional operating member is pivotable relative to thebase member about a second pivot axis in the second direction. Thesecond pivot axis is non-parallel to the first pivot axis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, itis possible to differentiate the movement of the additional operatingmember from the movement of the brake operating member. This allows theuser to easily recognize each of the movement of the brake operatingmember and the movement of the additional operating member withsimplifying the structure of the bicycle operating device.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the sixteenth aspect is configuredso that the additional operating member is pivotable relative to thebase member about a third pivot axis in the third direction. The thirdpivot axis is non-parallel to the first pivot axis and the second pivotaxis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventeenth aspect,it is possible to differentiate the movement of the additional operatingmember in the third direction from the movement of the brake operatingmember in the first direction. This allows the user to easily recognizeeach of the movement of the brake operating member and the movement ofthe additional operating member with simplifying the structure of thebicycle operating device.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to any one of the first toseventeenth aspects further comprises a power supply connected to atleast one of the electrical switch and the wireless communication unit.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, itis possible to supply electric power to the at least one of theelectrical switch and the wireless communication unit.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, thebicycle operating device according to the eighteenth aspect isconfigured so that the power supply is disposed on at least one of thebase member, the brake operating member, and the additional operatingmember.

With the bicycle operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, itis possible to handle the bicycle operating device including the powersupply as a single unit.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, abicycle operating device comprises a base member, a brake operatingmember, an additional operating member, an electrical switch, and awireless communication unit. The brake operating member is movablycoupled to the base member in a first direction. The additionaloperating member is movably coupled to the base member in a seconddirection. The electrical switch is to provide an electric signal. Theelectrical switch is disposed at the additional operating member. Thewireless communication unit is connected to the electrical switch totransmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal. The wirelesscommunication unit is disposed at one of the base member and the brakeoperating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twentieth aspect, itis possible to wirelessly operate an electrical bicycle component usingthe electrical switch and the additional operating member other than thebrake operating member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a right side elevational view of a bicycle operating device inaccordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the bicycle operating device illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial right side elevational view of the bicycle operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a brake operating member of thebicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partial rear view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a partial left side elevational view of the bicycle operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line IX-IX of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a partial left side elevational view of a bicycle operatingdevice in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a partial rear view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line XIII-XIII of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a left side elevational view of a bicycle operating device inaccordance with a third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a partial left side elevational view of a bicycle operatingdevice in accordance with a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a partial left side elevational view of a bicycle operatingdevice in accordance with a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a partial right side elevational view of a bicycle operatingdevice in accordance with a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a partial left side elevational view of the bicycle operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a partial rear view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a partial right side elevational view of a bicycle operatingdevice in accordance with a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a partial left side elevational view of the bicycle operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a partial rear view of the bicycle operating deviceillustrated in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device takenalong line XXVIII-XXVIII of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing arrangements of elements of thebicycle operating device.

FIGS. 30 to 35 shows combinations of the arrangements illustrated inFIG. 29.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The embodiment(s) will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle operating device 10 inaccordance with a first embodiment is configured to be mounted to ahandlebar H. In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 isconfigured to be mounted to a drop-down handlebar. However, structuresof the bicycle operating device 10 can be applied to other operatingdevices mounted to other type of handlebars such as a flat handlebar, atime trial handlebar, and a bull horn handlebar. The handlebar H canalso be referred to as the drop-down handlebar H.

The bicycle operating device 10 is operatively coupled to a bicyclebrake BC1. In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 isoperatively coupled to the bicycle brake BC1 via a control element C1.While the control element C1 is a mechanical control cable in thisembodiment, the control element C1 can be other elements such as ahydraulic hose and an electric control cable. The control element C1 canalso be referred to as the mechanical control cable C1.

Furthermore, the bicycle operating device 10 is operatively connected tothe electrical bicycle component BC2 via wireless communication.Examples of the electrical bicycle component BC2 include an electricshifting device, an electric suspension, and an electric seatpost. Inthis embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is operativelyconnected to an electric shifting device as the electrical bicyclecomponent BC2 via wireless communication. The electrical bicyclecomponent BC2 can also be referred to as the electric shifting deviceBC2. Examples of the electric shifting device BC2 include a derailleurand an internal-gear hub.

In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is a right hand sidecontrol device configured to be operated by the rider's right hand toactuate the bicycle brake BC1 and the electrical bicycle component BC2.However, the structures of the bicycle operating device 10 can beapplied to a left hand side control device.

In the present application, the following directional terms “front”,“rear”, “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “transverse”, “upward”and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions which are determined on the basis of a user (e.g., arider) who sits on a saddle (not shown) of a bicycle with facing thehandlebar H. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe thebicycle operating device 10, should be interpreted relative to thebicycle equipped with the bicycle operating device 10 as used in anupright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises a basemember 12, a brake operating member 14, and an additional operatingmember 16. The base member 12 includes a first end portion 12A and asecond end portion 12B. The first end portion 12A is configured to becoupled to the handlebar H in a mounting state where the bicycleoperating device 10 is mounted to the handlebar H. The drop-downhandlebar H includes a curved part H1. The first end portion 12A isconfigured to be coupled to the curved part H1 in the mounting statewhere the bicycle operating device 10 is mounted to the handlebar H. Thebicycle operating device 10 comprises a mounting clamp 18 to couple thebase member 12 to the handlebar H. As seen in FIG. 2, the first endportion 12A includes a mounting surface 12E having a curved shapecorresponding to the drop-down handlebar H. Specifically, the mountingsurface 12E has the curved shape corresponding to an outer peripheralsurface of the curved part H1.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second end portion 12B is opposite to thefirst end portion 12A. The base member 12 includes a grip portion 12Carranged between the first end portion 12A and the second end portion12B. The second end portion 12B includes a pommel portion 12D. Thepommel portion 12D extends obliquely upward from the grip portion 12C.The pommel portion 12D is disposed at a position higher than a positionof the first end portion 12A in the mounting state of the bicycleoperating device 10. The pommel portion 12D can also be configured to begraspable if needed and/or desired.

In this embodiment, the base member 12 includes a base body 13A and agrip cover 13B. The grip cover 13B at least partly covers the base body13A. The first end portion 12A, the second end portion 12B, the gripportion 12C, and the pommel portion 12D are constituted by at least oneof the base body 13A and the grip cover 13B. The grip cover 13B can beomitted from the base member 12.

As seen in FIG. 1, the brake operating member 14 is movably coupled tothe base member 12 in a first direction D1. The brake operating member14 is movably coupled to the second end portion 12B. The brake operatingmember 14 is pivotable relative to the base member 12 about a firstpivot axis A1. Specifically, the brake operating member 14 is pivotablerelative to the base member 12 about the first pivot axis A1 in thefirst direction D1. The brake operating member 14 is pivotable relativeto the base member 12 between a first rest position P11 and a firstoperated position P12. In other words, the brake operating member 14 isprovided as a brake operating lever pivotable about the first pivot axisA1. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is a circumferentialdirection defined about the first pivot axis A1.

In the present application, the term “rest position” as used hereinrefers to a position at which a movable part such as the brake operatingmember 14 and the additional operating member 16 remains stationary in astate where the movable part is not operated by the user. The term“operated position” as used herein refers to a position at which themovable part has been operated by the user to perform the operation ofthe bicycle component.

As seen in FIG. 1, the brake operating member 14 is pivotally coupled tothe base member 12 via a first pivot pin 20. The first pivot pin 20defines the first pivot axis A1. The brake operating member 14 is biasedby a first biasing member (not shown) toward the first rest position P11relative to the base member 12. Thus, the brake operating member 14 isat the first rest position P11 in a state where the brake operatingmember 14 is not operated by the user.

The additional operating member 16 is at least partially closer to thefirst end portion 12A than the brake operating member 14 in a rest statewhere the brake operating member 14 is at the first rest position P11.The additional operating member 16 is at least partially closer to thefirst end portion 12A than the first pivot axis A1.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the additional operating member 16 is movablycoupled to the base member 12 in a second direction D2 and in a thirddirection D3 different from the first direction D1 and the seconddirection D2. The additional operating member 16 is movably coupled tothe base member 12 without via the brake operating member 14. Theadditional operating member 16 is directly coupled to the base member12.

As seen in FIG. 1, the additional operating member 16 is pivotablerelative to the base member 12 about a second pivot axis A2 in thesecond direction D2. The additional operating member 16 is pivotablerelative to the base member 12 about the second pivot axis A2 between asecond rest position P21 and a second operated position P22. In thisembodiment, the second direction D2 is a circumferential directiondefined about the second pivot axis A2. The additional operating member16 is biased by a second biasing member (not shown) toward the secondrest position P21 relative to the base member 12. The additionaloperating member 16 is at the second rest position P21 in a state wherethe additional operating member 16 is in contact with the brakeoperating member 14 which is at the first rest position P11. Thus, theadditional operating member 16 is at the second rest position P21 in astate where the brake operating member 14 is at the first rest positionP11. The additional operating member 16 is pivoted relative to the basemember 12 about the second pivot axis A2 from the second rest positionP21 toward the second operated position P22 in response to a pivotalmovement of the brake operating member 14 from the first rest positionP11 toward the first operated position P12.

As seen in FIG. 3, the additional operating member 16 is pivotablerelative to the base member 12 about a third pivot axis A3 in the thirddirection D3. The additional operating member 16 is pivotable relativeto the base member 12 about the third pivot axis A3 between a third restposition P31 and a third operated position P32. In this embodiment, thethird direction D3 is a circumferential direction defined about thethird pivot axis A3.

While the additional operating member 16 is used as a shift operatingmember in this embodiment, the additional operating member 16 can beused as an operating member other than the shift operating member. Forexample, the additional operating member 16 can be used as a suspensionoperating member in a case where the electrical bicycle componentincludes the electric suspension. The additional operating member 16 canbe used as a seatpost operating member in a case where the electricalbicycle component includes the electric seatpost.

As indicated with a broken line 14X in FIG. 3, the brake operatingmember 14 can have a curved shape such that a distal end portion 14X1 ofthe brake operating member 14 is offset from a proximal end portion 14X2of the brake operating member 14. In FIG. 3, the distal end portion 14X1is offset from the proximal end portion 14X2 toward an opposite side ofa bicycle transverse center plane CP of a bicycle. In such anembodiment, the third rest position P31 of the additional operatingmember 16 is adjusted toward the opposite side of the bicycle transversecenter plane CP.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises acoupling structure 22 pivotally coupling the additional operating member16 to the base member 12. Specifically, the coupling structure 22includes second pivot pins 24, a coupling part 26 and a third pivot pin28. The second pivot pins 24 are secured to the coupling part 26 anddefine the second pivot axis A2. The third pivot pin 28 is secured tothe base member 12 and defines the third pivot axis A3. The additionaloperating member 16 is pivotally coupled to the coupling part 26 via thesecond pivot pins 24. The coupling part 26 is pivotally coupled to thebase member 12 via the third pivot pin 28. Thus, the additionaloperating member 16 is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 abouteach of the second pivot axis A2 and the third pivot axis A3.

As seen in FIG. 5, the second pivot axis A2 is non-parallel to the firstpivot axis A1. Specifically, the second pivot axis A2 is non-parallel tothe first pivot axis A1 when viewed from above the bicycle operatingdevice 10 in the mounting state where the bicycle operating device 10 ismounted to the handlebar H. However, the second pivot axis A2 can beparallel to the first pivot axis A1 when viewed from above the bicycleoperating device 10 in the mounting state of the bicycle operatingdevice 10. While the second direction D2 is different from the firstdirection D1 in this embodiment, the second direction D2 can be equal tothe first direction D1.

The third pivot axis A3 is non-parallel to the first pivot axis A1 andthe second pivot axis A2. Specifically, the third pivot axis A3 isnon-parallel to the first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2when viewed from above the bicycle operating device 10 in the mountingstate where the bicycle operating device 10 is mounted to the handlebarH. However, the third pivot axis A3 can be parallel to the first pivotaxis A1 and the second pivot axis A2 when viewed from above the bicycleoperating device 10 in the mounting state of the bicycle operatingdevice 10.

Furthermore, the third pivot axis A3 is non-orthogonal to the firstpivot axis A1 when viewed from above the bicycle operating device 10 inthe mounting state where the bicycle operating device 10 is mounted tothe handlebar H. However, the third pivot axis A3 can be orthogonal tothe first pivot axis A1 when viewed from above the bicycle operatingdevice 10 in the mounting state of the bicycle operating device 10.

The third pivot axis A3 is orthogonal to the second pivot axis A2 whenviewed from above the bicycle operating device 10 in the mounting statewhere the bicycle operating device 10 is mounted to the handlebar H.However, the third pivot axis A3 can be non-orthogonal to the secondpivot axis A2 when viewed from above the bicycle operating device 10 inthe mounting state of the bicycle operating device 10.

As seen in FIG. 4, the bicycle operating device 10 further comprises acable operating structure 30 coupled to the brake operating member 14 tomove the mechanical control cable C1 in response to a movement of thebrake operating member 14 in the first direction D1. The mechanicalcontrol cable C1 includes an outer casing C11 and an inner wire C12movably provided in the outer casing C11. In this embodiment, the cableoperating structure 30 is provided at an end of the brake operatingmember 14 to receive an end of the inner wire C12 of the mechanicalcontrol cable C1.

As seen in FIG. 6, the cable operating structure 30 is coupled to theend of the inner wire C12 of the mechanical control cable C1.Specifically, the cable operating structure 30 includes a cableattachment part 32 to couple the brake operating member 14 to themechanical control cable C1. The cable attachment part 32 is attached tothe brake operating member 14.

As seen in FIG. 7, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises anelectrical switch 34 to provide an electric signal in response to amovement of the additional operating member 16 in the third directionD3. The electrical switch 34 is disposed at the additional operatingmember 16. The electrical switch 34 is attached to the additionaloperating member 16 to move together with the additional operatingmember 16 in the third direction D3. While the electrical switch 34 is anormally open switch in this embodiment, other type of switches can beapplied to the bicycle operating device 10.

While the electrical switch 34 is used as a shift control switch in thisembodiment, the electrical switch 34 can be used as a switch other thanthe shift control switch. For example, the electrical switch 34 can beused as a suspension control switch in a case where the electricalbicycle component BC2 includes the electric suspension. The electricalswitch 34 can be used as a seatpost control member in a case where theelectrical bicycle component BC2 includes the electric seatpost.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the additional operating member 16 includes alever 36 and an attachment part 38. The lever 36 includes a first leverend 36A and a second lever end 36B. The first lever end 36A is pivotallycoupled to the base member 12 about each of the second pivot axis A2 andthe third pivot axis A3. The attachment part 38 is disposed at thesecond lever end 36B. The electrical switch 34 is attached to theattachment part 38. The attachment part 38 includes an attachment base38A and a cover 38B. The cover 38B is detachably attached to theattachment base 38A with fasteners such as screws. An internal space 38Cis defined by the attachment base 38A and the cover 38B. The internalspace 38C is sealed by seal members (not shown) in a state where thecover 38B is attached to the attachment base 38A. The electrical switch34 is disposed in the internal space 38C of the attachment part 38.

As seen in FIGS. 7 to 9, the brake operating member 14 includes anactuation part 40 disposed to face the electrical switch 34 to press theelectrical switch 34 in response to the movement of the additionaloperating member 16 in the third direction D3 relative to the brakeoperating member 14. The actuation part 40 can be disposed at the basemember 12.

As seen in FIG. 9, the actuation part 40 includes a projection 40A toface the electrical switch 34. The brake operating member 14 includes areceiving part 42. The receiving part 42 is spaced part from theactuation part 40 in the third direction D3. The electrical switch 34and the attachment part 38 are disposed between the actuation part 40and the receiving part 42 in the third direction D3. The additionaloperating member 16 is contactable with the receiving part 42. Theadditional operating member 16 is positioned at the third rest positionP31 by the receiving part 42 in a state where the additional operatingmember 16 is in contact with the receiving part 42.

The bicycle operating device 10 comprises a switch biasing member 44.The switch biasing member 44 is disposed between the electrical switch34 and the actuation part 40 to bias the additional operating member 16toward the third rest position P31. Thus, the additional operatingmember 16 is positioned at the third rest position P31 by the receivingpart 42 in a state where the additional operating member 16 is notoperated by the user.

As seen in FIG. 9, the bicycle operating device 10 comprise a buttonelement 46 to transmit, to the electrical switch 34, the movement of theadditional operating member 16 in the third direction D3 relative to thebrake operating member 14. The button element 46 is disposed on theattachment part 38 to face the actuation part 40 in the third directionD3. Specifically, the button element 46 is disposed to face theprojection 40A in the third direction D3. In this embodiment, the switchbiasing member 44 includes a coil spring. The switch biasing member 44is held by the projection 40A and the button element 46.

The button element 46 is in contact with the projection 40A in a statewhere the additional operating member 16 is at the third operatedposition P32. This contact closes the electrical switch 34 to providethe electric signal. The electrical switch 34 is open not to provide theelectric signal in a state where the additional operating member 16 isat the third rest position P31.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises awireless communication unit 48 connected to the electrical switch 34 totransmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal. The wirelesscommunication unit 48 is disposed at one of the base member 12, thebrake operating member 14, and the additional operating member 16. Inthis embodiment, as seen in FIG. 9, the wireless communication unit 48is disposed at the additional operating member 16. However, the wirelesscommunication unit 48 can be disposed at one of the base member 12 andthe brake operating member 14.

As seen in FIG. 9, the wireless communication unit 48 is attached to theadditional operating member 16. In this embodiment, the wirelesscommunication unit 48 is integrally provided with the electrical switch34 as a single unit. The bicycle operating device 10 comprises anelectronic substrate 50. The electrical switch 34 and the wirelesscommunication unit 48 are mounted on the electronic substrate 50 andelectrically connected to each other via the electronic substrate 50.The electronic substrate 50 is secured to the additional operatingmember 16 (e.g., the attachment part 38). The bicycle operating device10 comprises an antenna 52 connected to the wireless communication unit48. The antenna 52 is mounted on the electronic substrate 50. Thewireless communication unit 48, the electronic substrate 50, and theantenna 52 are disposed in the internal space 38C of the attachment part38. The wireless communication unit 48 wirelessly transmits the wirelesssignal based on the electric signal via the antenna 52. The antenna 52can be included in the wireless communication unit 48 or can beintegrally provided with the wireless communication unit 48 as a singlemodule or unit.

In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 48 includes aprocessor 48A, a memory 48B, a signal generating circuit 48C, a signaltransmitting circuit 48D, and a signal receiving circuit 48E. Thus, thewireless communication unit 48 can also be referred to as a wirelesscommunication circuit 48 in the present application. The processor 48Aincludes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory controller. Thememory 48B is connected to the processor 48A. The memory 48B includes aread only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROMincludes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The RAMincludes a transitory computer-readable storage medium. The memory 48Bincludes storage areas each having an address in the ROM and the RAM.The processor 48A controls the memory 48B to store data in the storageareas of the memory 48B and reads data from the storage areas of thememory 48B. The memory 48B (e.g., the ROM) stores a program. The programis read into the processor 48A, and thereby functions of the wirelesscommunication unit 48 (e.g., at least part of functions of the signalgenerating circuit 48C and the signal transmitting circuit 48D).

The signal generating circuit 48C generates wireless signals based onthe electric signal input from the electrical switch 34. The signalgenerating circuit 48C superimposes digital signals on carrier waveusing a predetermined wireless communication protocol to generate thewireless signals. The signal transmitting circuit 48D transmits thewireless signal via the antenna 52 in response to the electric signalinput from the electrical switch 34. In this embodiment, the signalgenerating circuit 48C can encrypt control information (e.g., shiftinformation) to generate encrypted wireless signals. The signalgenerating circuit 48C encrypts digital signals stored in the memory 48Busing a cryptographic key. The signal transmitting circuit 48D transmitsthe encrypted wireless signals. Thus, the wireless communication unit 48wirelessly transmits the wireless signal to upshift or downshift theelectric shifting device BC2 when the electrical switch 34 is closed toprovide the electric signal.

Further, the signal receiving circuit 48E receives a wireless signalfrom the electric shifting device BC2 via the antenna 52. In thisembodiment, the signal receiving circuit 48E decodes the wireless signalto recognize information wirelessly transmitted from the electricshifting device BC2. The signal receiving circuit 48E may decrypt theencrypted wireless signal using the cryptographic key. Namely, thewireless communication unit 48 is configured to transmit a wirelesssignal to control other electrical bicycle components and to receive awireless signal to recognize information from other electrical bicyclecomponents. In other words, the wireless communication unit 48 isprovided as a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The otherelectrical bicycle components can include the electric suspension andthe electric seatpost in addition to the electric shifting device BC2.In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 48 is integrallyprovided as a single module or unit. However, the wireless communicationunit 48 can be constituted of a wireless transmitter and a wirelessreceiver which are provided as separate modules or units arranged atdifferent positions from each other. The signal receiving circuit 48Ecan be omitted from the wireless communication unit 48.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bicycle operating device 10 furthercomprises an informing unit 54. The informing unit 54 is connected tothe wireless communication unit 48 to inform a user of a status of thewireless communication unit 48. The informing unit 54 is disposed on atleast one of the base member 12, the brake operating member 14, and theadditional operating member 16. In this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 9,the informing unit 54 is disposed on the additional operating member 16.However, the informing unit 54 can be disposed on at least one of thebase member 12 and the brake operating member 14 instead of or inaddition to on the additional operating member 16. Examples of thestatus of the wireless communication unit 48 include a signaltransmission status and a power supply status.

As seen in FIG. 9, the informing unit 54 is mounted on the electronicsubstrate 50. The informing unit 54 is disposed in the internal space38C of the attachment part 38. The informing unit 54 is electricallyconnected to the wireless communication unit 48 via the electronicsubstrate 50. The informing unit 54 includes a light emitting elementsuch as a light emitting diode (LED). However, the informing unit 54 caninclude other elements such as a buzzer instead of or in addition to thelight emitting element. Light from the informing unit 54 is visible fromoutside of the bicycle operating device 10 via a clear window 55.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bicycle operating device 10 furthercomprises an power supply 56 connected to at least one of the electricalswitch 34 and the wireless communication unit 48. The power supply 56 isdisposed on at least one of the base member 12, the brake operatingmember 14, and the additional operating member 16. In this embodiment,as seen in FIG. 10, the power supply 56 is electrically connected to thewireless communication unit 48 to supply electric energy (e.g., a powersource voltage) to the wireless communication unit 48. The power supply56 supplies the electric energy to other elements via the wirelesscommunication unit 48. However, the power supply 56 can be electricallyconnected to the other elements without via the wireless communicationunit 48. As seen in FIG. 9, the power supply 56 is disposed on theadditional operating member 16. However, the power supply 56 can bedisposed on at least one of the base member 12 and the brake operatingmember 14 instead of or in addition to on the additional operatingmember 16. The power supply 56 is disposed in the internal space 38C ofthe attachment part 38.

In this embodiment, the power supply 56 includes a battery 56A, anelectric-energy generation element 56B, and a rectifying circuit 56C.The battery 56A is held in a battery holder 58 arranged in the internalspace 38C of the attachment part 38. Examples of the battery 56A includea primary battery such as a lithium manganese dioxide battery, and asecondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In thisembodiment, the battery 56A is a primary button battery. Theelectric-energy generation element 56B generates the electric energyusing pressure and/or vibration. In this embodiment, the electric-energygeneration element 56B generates electric energy (e.g., alternatingcurrent) using pressure and/or vibration caused by a movement of atleast one of the brake operating member 14, the additional operatingmember 16, and the button element 46. Examples of the electric-energygeneration element 56B includes a piezoelectric element. Theelectric-energy generation element 56B is attached to the electricalswitch 34 and is disposed between the electrical switch 34 and thebutton element 46. However, the electric-energy generation element 56Bcan be disposed at other positions. The electric-energy generationelement 56B is electrically connected to the electronic substrate 50.The electric-energy generation element 56B is electrically connected tothe wireless communication unit 48 via the electronic substrate 50. Therectifying circuit 56C is electrically connected to the electric-energygeneration element 56B to rectify the electric energy generated by theelectric-energy generation element 56B. The rectifying circuit 56C ismounted to the electronic substrate 50 and is electrically connected tothe wireless communication unit 48 and the electric-energy generationelement 56B. Since the electric-energy generation element 56B and therectifying circuit 56C have been well known in the electronics field,they will not be described and/or illustrated in detail here for thesake of brevity. The power source voltage is applied from the powersupply 56 to the wireless communication unit 48.

The wireless communication unit 48 includes a voltage regulator 48F. Thevoltage regulator 48F regulates the power source voltage to a level atwhich various circuits of the wireless communication unit 48 and theinforming unit 54 can properly operate. The voltage regulator 48Fsupplies the regulated voltage to the processor 48A, the memory 48B, thesignal generating circuit 48C, the signal transmitting circuit 48D, thesignal receiving circuit 48E, and the informing unit 54. The voltageregulator 48F can be provided in the power supply 56.

The voltage regulator 48F switches the power source voltage between thebattery 56A and the electric-energy generation element 56B. At first,for example, the wireless communication unit 48 preferentially uses theelectric energy generated by the electric-energy generation element 56Bto transmit the wireless signal based on the electric signal. When thetransmission of the wireless signal is completed using only the electricenergy generated by the electric-energy generation element 56B, thevoltage regulator 48F interrupts supply of the electric energy from thebattery 56A to reduce the standby power consumption of the battery 56A.When the transmission of the wireless signal is not completed due toinsufficient electric energy, the wireless communication unit 48 usesthe electric energy supplied from the battery 56A to transmit thewireless signal based on the electric signal. The remaining electricenergy generated by the electric-energy generation element 56B can becharged to a rechargeable battery (not shown) if necessary. In such anembodiment, the rechargeable battery is provided in the power supply 56instead of or in addition to the battery 56A.

The bicycle operating device 10 has the following features.

(1) The bicycle operating device 10 comprises the base member 12, thebrake operating member 14, the additional operating member 16, theelectrical switch 34, and the wireless communication unit 48. Theelectrical switch 34 is disposed at the additional operating member 16.The wireless communication unit 48 is connected to the electrical switch34 to transmit the wireless signal based on the electric signal. Thus,it is possible to wirelessly operate an electrical bicycle componentusing the additional operating member 16. Furthermore, it is possible toutilize the base member 12 to movably support the additional operatingmember 16 instead of the brake operating member 14 since the additionaloperating member 16 is movably coupled to the base member 12. Thisallows the structure of the brake operating member 14 to be simplified.Accordingly, it is possible to wirelessly operate the electrical bicyclecomponent with a simple structure.

(2) The wireless communication unit 48 is disposed at one of the basemember 12, the brake operating member 14, and the additional operatingmember 16. Accordingly, it is possible to handle the bicycle operatingdevice 10 including the wireless communication unit 48 as a single unit.

(3) The brake operating member 14 includes the actuation part 40disposed to face the electrical switch 34 to press the electrical switch34 in response to a relative movement between the brake operating member14 and the additional operating member 16. Accordingly, it is possibleto easily press the electrical switch 34 using the relative movementbetween the brake operating member 14 and the additional operatingmember 16.

(4) The actuation part 40 includes the projection 40A to face theelectrical switch 34. Accordingly, it is possible to transmit therelative movement between the brake operating member 14 and theadditional operating member 16 to the electrical switch 34 using theprojection 40A.

(5) The bicycle operating device 10 further comprises the cableoperating structure 30 coupled to the brake operating member 14 to movethe mechanical control cable C1 in response to a movement of the brakeoperating member 14 in the first direction D1. Accordingly, it ispossible to respectively operate the bicycle brake device and theelectrical bicycle component using the brake operating member 14 and theadditional operating member 16 via the mechanical control cable C1 and awireless communication.

(6) The bicycle operating device 10 further comprises the informing unit54 disposed on at least one of the base member 12, the brake operatingmember 14, and the additional operating member 16. Accordingly, it ispossible to inform a user of information relating to the bicycleoperating device 10.

(7) The informing unit 54 is connected to the wireless communicationunit 48 to inform a user of a status of the wireless communication unit48. Accordingly, it is possible to check the status of the wirelesscommunication unit 48.

(8) The base member 12 includes the first end portion 12A and the secondend portion 12B opposite to the first end portion 12A. The brakeoperating member 14 is movably coupled to the second end portion 12B.Thus, it is possible to provide a distance between the handlebar H andthe brake operating member 14. Accordingly, it is possible to easilyoperate the brake operating member 14.

(9) The first end portion 12A includes the mounting surface 12E havingthe curved shape corresponding to the drop-down handlebar H.Accordingly, it is possible to firmly fix the bicycle operating device10 to the drop-down handlebar H.

(10) The base member 12 includes the grip portion 12C arranged betweenthe first end portion 12A and the second end portion 12B. The gripportion 12C allows the user to easily operate at least one of the brakeoperating member 14 and the additional operating member 16.

(11) The second end portion 12B includes the pommel portion 12D. Thepommel portion 12D allows the user to lean on the base member 12 duringriding a bicycle.

(12) The brake operating member 14 is pivotable relative to the basemember 12 between the first rest position P11 and the first operatedposition P12. The additional operating member 16 is at least partiallycloser to the first end portion 12A than the brake operating member 14in a rest state where the brake operating member 14 is at the first restposition P11. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the operability ofthe additional operating member 16 compared with a case where theadditional operating member 16 is farther from the first end portion 12Athan the brake operating member 14.

(13) The brake operating member 14 is pivotable relative to the basemember 12 about the first pivot axis A1. The additional operating member16 is at least partially closer to the first end portion 12A than thefirst pivot axis A1. Accordingly, it is possible to improve theoperability of the additional operating member 16 compared with a casewhere the additional operating member 16 is farther from the first endportion 12A than the first pivot axis A1.

(14) Since the second pivot axis A2 is non-parallel to the first pivotaxis A1, it is possible to differentiate the movement of the additionaloperating member 16 from the movement of the brake operating member 14.This allows the user to easily recognize each of the movement of thebrake operating member 14 and the movement of the additional operatingmember 16 with simplifying the structure of the bicycle operating device10.

(15) Since the third pivot axis A3 is non-parallel to the first pivotaxis A1 and the second pivot axis A2, it is possible to differentiatethe movement of the additional operating member 16 in the thirddirection D3 from the movement of the brake operating member 14 in thefirst direction D1. This allows the user to easily recognize each of themovement of the brake operating member 14 and the movement of theadditional operating member 16 with simplifying the structure of thebicycle operating device 10.

(16) The power supply 56 is connected to at least one of the electricalswitch 34 and the wireless communication unit 48. Accordingly, it ispossible to supply electric power to the at least one of the electricalswitch 34 and the wireless communication unit 48.

(17) The power supply 56 is disposed on at least one of the base member12, the brake operating member 14, and the additional operating member16. Accordingly, it is possible to handle the bicycle operating device10 including the power supply 56 as a single unit.

Second Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 210 in accordance with a second embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 11 to 14. The bicycleoperating device 210 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 10 except for the arrangement ofsome elements. Thus, elements having substantially the same function asthose in the first embodiment will be numbered the same here, and willnot be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 11, the bicycle operating device 210 comprises the basemember 12, the brake operating member 14, the additional operatingmember 16, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48,the informing unit 54, and the power supply 56. The electrical switch 34is disposed at the additional operating member 16.

Unlike the bicycle operating device 10 of the first embodiment, thewireless communication unit 48 is disposed at the brake operating member14. The informing unit 54 is disposed on the brake operating member 14.The power supply 56 is disposed on the brake operating member 14.

As seen in FIGS. 12 to 14, the bicycle operating device 210 comprises anadditional attachment part 239. The additional attachment part 239 isdisposed at the brake operating member 14. The additional attachmentpart 239 includes an additional attachment base 239A and an additionalcover 239B. The additional attachment base 239A is attached to the brakeoperating member 14. In this embodiment, the additional attachment base239A is integrally provided with the brake operating member 14 as aone-piece unitary member. The additional cover 239B is detachablyattached to the additional attachment base 239A with fasteners such asscrews. An additional internal space 239C is defined by the additionalattachment base 239A and the additional cover 239B. The additionalinternal space 239C is sealed by seal members (not shown) in a statewhere the additional cover 239B is attached to the additional attachmentbase 239A. The wireless communication unit 48 is disposed in theadditional internal space 239C of the additional attachment part 239.The wireless communication unit 48 is connected to the electrical switch34 via an electrical wiring 249.

Furthermore, the antenna 52, the informing unit 54, and the power supply56 are disposed in the additional internal space 239C of the additionalattachment part 239. The antenna 52, the informing unit 54, and thepower supply 56 are mounted on an additional electronic substrate 251.The additional electronic substrate 251 is secured to the additionalattachment part 239.

With the bicycle operating device 210, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device10 of the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 310 in accordance with a third embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 15 to 17. The bicycleoperating device 310 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 10 except for the arrangement ofsome elements. Thus, elements having substantially the same function asthose in the above embodiment will be numbered the same here, and willnot be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 15, the bicycle operating device 310 comprises the basemember 12, the brake operating member 14, the additional operatingmember 16, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48,the informing unit 54, and the power supply 56. The electrical switch 34is disposed at the additional operating member 16.

Unlike the bicycle operating device 10 of the first embodiment, thewireless communication unit 48 is disposed at the base member 12. Theinforming unit 54 is disposed on the base member 12. The power supply 56is disposed on the base member 12.

As seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the bicycle operating device 310 comprisesan additional attachment part 339. The additional attachment part 339 isdisposed at the base member 12. The additional attachment part 339includes an additional attachment base 339A and an additional cover339B. The additional attachment base 339A is attached to the base member12. In this embodiment, the additional attachment base 339A isintegrally provided with the base body 13A of the base member 12 as aone-piece unitary member. The additional cover 339B is detachablyattached to the additional attachment base 339A with fasteners such asscrews. An additional internal space 339C is defined by the additionalattachment base 339A and the additional cover 339B. The additionalinternal space 339C is sealed by seal members (not shown) in a statewhere the additional cover 339B is attached to the additional attachmentbase 339A. The wireless communication unit 48 is disposed in theadditional internal space 339C of the additional attachment part 339.The wireless communication unit 48 is connected to the electrical switch34 via the electrical wiring 249 (FIG. 17).

Furthermore, the antenna 52, the informing unit 54, and the power supply56 are disposed in the additional internal space 339C of the additionalattachment part 339. The antenna 52, the informing unit 54, and thepower supply 56 are mounted on the additional electronic substrate 251secured to the additional attachment part 339.

With the bicycle operating device 310, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device10 of the first embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 410 in accordance with a fourth embodimentwill be described below referring to FIG. 18. The bicycle operatingdevice 410 has the same structure and/or configuration as those of thebicycle operating device 10 except for the arrangement of some elements.Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those in theabove embodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not bedescribed and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 18, the bicycle operating device 410 comprises the basemember 12, the brake operating member 14, the additional operatingmember 16, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48,the informing unit 54, and the power supply 56. Similarly to the bicycleoperating device 10 of the first embodiment, the electrical switch 34 isdisposed at the additional operating member 16. Each of the wirelesscommunication unit 48, the informing unit 54, and the power supply 56 isdisposed on the additional operating member 16.

Unlike the bicycle operating device 10 of the first embodiment, thebicycle operating device 410 further comprise a hydraulic unit 460instead of the cable operating structure 30. The hydraulic unit 460 iscoupled to the brake operating member 14 to generate a hydraulicpressure in response to a movement of the brake operating member 14 inthe first direction D1. Specifically, the hydraulic unit 460 includes ahydraulic cylinder 462, a piston 464, a return spring 465, a piston rod466, and a hydraulic reservoir 468. The piston 464 is movably disposedin the hydraulic cylinder 462. The hydraulic cylinder 462 and the piston464 define a hydraulic chamber 470. The return spring 465 is provided inthe hydraulic chamber 470 to bias the piston 464 toward an initialposition. The brake operating member 14 is coupled to the piston 464 viathe piston rod 466. The hydraulic reservoir 468 is connected to thehydraulic chamber 470. The hydraulic chamber 470 is connected to thebicycle brake BC1 via a hydraulic hose C41. In this embodiment, thebicycle brake BC1 include a hydraulic brake.

With the bicycle operating device 410, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device10 of the first embodiment.

Furthermore, the bicycle operating device 410 further comprises thehydraulic unit 460 coupled to the brake operating member 14 to generatea hydraulic pressure in response to the movement of the brake operatingmember 14 in the first direction D1. Accordingly, it is possible torespectively operate the bicycle brake device and the electrical bicyclecomponent using the brake operating member 14 and the additionaloperating member 16 via a hydraulic fluid and a wireless communication.

Fifth Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 510 in accordance with a fifth embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 19 and 20. The bicycleoperating device 510 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 410 except for the base member 12.Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those in theabove embodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not bedescribed and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake ofbrevity.

As seen in FIG. 19, the bicycle operating device 510 comprises a basemember 512, the brake operating member 14, the additional operatingmember 16, the electrical switch 34, the wireless communication unit 48,the informing unit 54, and the power supply 56. The base member 512 hassubstantially the same structure as that of the base member 12 of thefirst or fourth embodiment. However, the bicycle operating device 510 isconfigured to be mounted to a bull horn handlebar H5 provided as thehandlebar H. The bull horn handlebar H5 can also be referred to as thehandlebar H5.

The base member 512 includes a first end portion 512A and a second endportion 512B. The first end portion 512A is configured to be coupled tothe handlebar H5 in a mounting state where the bicycle operating device510 is mounted to the handlebar H5. The second end portion 512B isopposite to the first end portion 512A. The brake operating member 14 ismovably coupled to the second end portion 512B. However, the first endportion 512A is configured to be coupled to a bar end H51 of thehandlebar H5 in the mounting state.

As seen in FIG. 20, the base member 512 includes a mounting hole 513disposed at the first end portion 512A. The bar end H51 of the handlebarH5 is disposed in the mounting hole 513. The hydraulic unit 460 is atleast partly disposed in the bar end H51 of the handlebar H5. The cableoperating structure 30 of the bicycle operating device 10 can be appliedto the bicycle operating device 510 instead of the hydraulic unit 460.

With the bicycle operating device 510, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device410 of the fourth embodiment.

Furthermore, the first end portion 512A is configured to be coupled tothe bar end H51 of the handlebar H5 in the mounting state. Accordingly,it is possible to utilize the bicycle operating device 510 as a bar-endoperating device.

Sixth Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 710 in accordance with a sixth embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 21 to 24. The bicycleoperating device 710 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 210 except for the additionaloperating member 16. Thus, elements having substantially the samefunction as those in the above embodiment will be numbered the samehere, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail herefor the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, the bicycle operating device 710 comprisesthe base member 12, the brake operating member 14, an additionaloperating member 716, the electrical switch 34, the wirelesscommunication unit 48, the informing unit 54, and the power supply 56.Similarly to the bicycle operating device 210 of the second embodiment,the electrical switch 34 is disposed at the additional operating member716. The additional operating member 716 is movably coupled to the basemember 12 in the second direction D2. The wireless communication unit 48is disposed at one of the base member 12 and the brake operating member14. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 48 is disposedat the brake operating member 14.

As seen in FIG. 23, unlike the bicycle operating device 210 of thesecond embodiment, the additional operating member 716 is not movablerelative to the base member 12 in the third direction D3 different fromthe second direction D2. As seen in FIGS. 21 and 23, the bicycleoperating device 710 comprises a coupling structure 722 pivotallycoupling the additional operating member 716 to the base member 12. Thecoupling structure 722 includes second pivot pins 24 but does notinclude the coupling part 26 and the third pivot pin 28. The secondpivot pins 24 are directly secured to the base member 12.

As seen in FIG. 24, the bicycle operating device 710 comprises a button735 and a button spring 737. The button 735 is movably mounted to theadditional operating member 716. The button 735 is movable relative tothe additional operating member 716 between a button rest position P71and a button operated position P72. The button spring 737 is mounted tothe additional operating member 716 to bias the additional operatingmember 716 toward the button rest position P71. The electrical switch 34is closed to provide the electric signal when the button 735 is movedfrom the button rest position P71 to the button operated position P72.The electrical switch 34 is open not to provide the electric signal in astate where the button 735 is at the button rest position P71.

With the bicycle operating device 710, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device210 of the second embodiment.

Seventh Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 810 in accordance with a seventh embodimentwill be described below referring to FIGS. 25 to 28. The bicycleoperating device 810 has the same structure and/or configuration asthose of the bicycle operating device 310 except for the additionaloperating member 16. Thus, elements having substantially the samefunction as those in the above embodiment will be numbered the samehere, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail herefor the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 25 and 26, the bicycle operating device 810 comprisesthe base member 12, the brake operating member 14, the additionaloperating member 716, the electrical switch 34, the wirelesscommunication unit 48, the informing unit 54, and the power supply 56.Similarly to the bicycle operating device 310 of the third embodiment,the electrical switch 34 is disposed at the additional operating member716. The additional operating member 716 is movably coupled to the basemember 12 in the second direction D2. The wireless communication unit 48is disposed at one of the base member 12 and the brake operating member14. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 48 is disposedat the base member 12.

As seen in FIGS. 25 and 27, similarly to the bicycle operating device710 of the sixth embodiment, the additional operating member 716 is notmovable relative to the base member 12 in the third direction D3different from the second direction D2. As seen in FIG. 28, the bicycleoperating device 810 comprises the button 735 and the button spring 737.

With the bicycle operating device 810, it is possible to obtainsubstantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating devices310 and 710 of the third and sixth embodiments.

MODIFICATIONS

Other arrangements of the informing unit 54 and the power supply 56 canbe combined with the arrangements of the wireless communication unit 48described in the above embodiments.

FIG. 29 shows arrangements of the informing unit 54 and the power supply56. FIGS. 30 to 35 shows combinations of the arrangements of theinforming unit 54 and the power supply 56.

In FIG. 29, the informing unit 54X indicates that the informing unit 54is disposed at the additional operating member 16. The informing unit54Y indicates that the informing unit 54 is disposed at the brakeoperating member 14. The informing unit 54Z indicates that the informingunit 54 is disposed at the base member 12. The power supply 56Xindicates that the power supply 56 is disposed at the additionaloperating member 16. The power supply 56Y indicates that the powersupply 56 is disposed at the brake operating member 14. The power supply56Z indicates that the power supply 56 is disposed at the base member12.

In FIGS. 30 to 35, each circle indicates the arrangement of eachelement. As seen in FIG. 30, the combination of the wirelesscommunication unit 48X, the informing unit 54X, and the power supply 56Xcorresponds to each of the first, fourth, and fifth embodiments. As seenin FIG. 32, the combination of the wireless communication unit 48Y, theinforming unit 54Y, and the power supply 56Y corresponds to each of thesecond and sixth embodiments. As seen in FIG. 34, the combination of thewireless communication unit 48Z, the informing unit 54Z, and the powersupply 56Z corresponds to each of the third and seventh embodiments.

As seen in FIGS. 30 to 35, the informing unit 54 can be disposed at oneof the base member 12, the brake operating member 14, and the additionaloperating member 16. The informing unit 54 can be disposed at both thebrake operating member 14 and the additional operating member 16. Theinforming unit 54 can be disposed at both the base member 12 and theadditional operating member 16. The informing unit 54 can be disposed atboth the base member 12 and the brake operating member 14. Furthermore,the informing unit 54 can be disposed at all of the base member 12, thebrake operating member 14, and the additional operating member 16. Thesame can be applied to the arrangement of the power supply 56. Each ofmodifications M1-1 to M1-48, M2-1 to M2-48, and M3-1 to M3-48 can beapplied to the bicycle operating device of the present application.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from thepresent disclosure that the above embodiments can be at least partlycombined with each other.

The term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intendedto be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. This concept also applies to words of similarmeaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part”, “element”, “body” and“structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the presentapplication are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings,for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, theterm “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “secondelement”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply anexistence of “first element.”

The term “pair of”, as used herein, can encompass the configuration inwhich the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from eachother in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elementshave the same shapes or structures as each other.

Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation ofthe modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle operating device comprising: a base member; a brake operating member movably coupled to the base member in a first direction; an additional operating member movably coupled to the base member in a second direction and in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction; an electrical switch to provide an electric signal in response to a movement of the additional operating member in the third direction, the electrical switch being disposed at the additional operating member; and a wireless communication unit connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal.
 2. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit is disposed at one of the base member, the brake operating member, and the additional operating member.
 3. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, wherein the brake operating member includes an actuation part disposed to face the electrical switch to press the electrical switch in response to the movement of the additional operating member in the third direction relative to the brake operating member.
 4. The bicycle operating device according to claim 3, wherein the actuation part includes a projection to face the electrical switch.
 5. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a cable operating structure coupled to the brake operating member to move a mechanical control cable in response to a movement of the brake operating member in the first direction.
 6. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a hydraulic unit coupled to the brake operating member to generate a hydraulic pressure in response to a movement of the brake operating member in the first direction.
 7. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, further comprising: an informing unit disposed on at least one of the base member, the brake operating member, and the additional operating member.
 8. The bicycle operating device according to claim 7, wherein the informing unit is connected to the wireless communication unit to inform a user of a status of the wireless communication unit.
 9. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, wherein the base member includes a first end portion configured to be coupled to a handlebar in a mounting state where the bicycle operating device is mounted to the handlebar, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and the brake operating member is movably coupled to the second end portion.
 10. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein the first end portion includes a mounting surface having a curved shape corresponding to a drop-down handlebar.
 11. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein the base member includes a grip portion arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion.
 12. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein the second end portion includes a pommel portion.
 13. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein the first end portion is configured to be coupled to a bar end of the handlebar in the mounting state.
 14. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein the brake operating member is pivotable relative to the base member between a first rest position and a first operated position, and the additional operating member is at least partially closer to the first end portion than the brake operating member in a rest state where the brake operating member is at the first rest position.
 15. The bicycle operating device according to claim 9, wherein the brake operating member is pivotable relative to the base member about a first pivot axis, and the additional operating member is at least partially closer to the first end portion than the first pivot axis.
 16. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, wherein the brake operating member is pivotable relative to the base member about a first pivot axis in the first direction, the additional operating member is pivotable relative to the base member about a second pivot axis in the second direction, and the second pivot axis is non-parallel to the first pivot axis.
 17. The bicycle operating device according to claim 16, wherein the additional operating member is pivotable relative to the base member about a third pivot axis in the third direction, and the third pivot axis is non-parallel to the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.
 18. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply connected to at least one of the electrical switch and the wireless communication unit.
 19. The bicycle operating device according to claim 18, wherein the power supply is disposed on at least one of the base member, the brake operating member, and the additional operating member.
 20. A bicycle operating device comprising: a base member; a brake operating member movably coupled to the base member in a first direction; an additional operating member movably coupled to the base member in a second direction; an electrical switch to provide an electric signal, the electrical switch being disposed at the additional operating member; and a wireless communication unit connected to the electrical switch to transmit a wireless signal based on the electric signal, the wireless communication unit being disposed at one of the base member and the brake operating member. 